Four Years Later, James Made Same Decision [BLOG]
By: Martin Weiss
@MartinWeiss22
In the same way "The Decision" was universally regarded as self-serving and grandstanding, "The Letter" has been received positively and a sign of LeBron's maturity. That's not the case.
Make no mistake; "The Letter" is simply the "The Decision" 2.0, complete with self-serving narrative- just done in a way that makes people feel good. Returning to Cleveland is a basketball decision, just like leaving Cleveland was. Simply put, Cleveland gives LeBron the best chance to win long term. It gives him the best opportunity to get the hardware to ensure that his legacy will stand the test of time.
First things first. Sure, LeBron James wants to raise his kids and live in Cleveland. He doesn't have to play in Cleveland to do that. Athletes make their offseason homes all over the country, and during the season James wouldn't be home for over half the year anyway.
The real reason LeBron went to Cleveland? It made sense. He'll have two things he's never had in his NBA career: A coach and a point guard.
All due respect to Erik Spoelstra, but he was outcoached in three of his four Finals appearances -- even in 2013 where Ray Allen saved the Heat after two LBJ missed three pointers. In a league where head coaches with no coaching experience get handed entire franchises (Derek Fisher, Steve Kerr, Jason Kidd, Mark Jackson to name a few), Cleveland hired David Blatt.
While Blatt is not a sexy name around NBA circles he's had great international success -- leading Maccabi Tel-Aviv to four consecutive Euro League championships. He knows his way up and down the sideline.
LeBron has been the best facilitator on his team for his entire career, and frequently initiated the offense with Miami. Kyrie Irving will be the first above average -- let alone All-Star -- point guard James has played with. Not to mention, Cleveland has the most trade assets of any potential suitor due to all the lottery picks since LeBron left to dangle in sign-and-trade options for another superstar. Kevin Love, for example. They also have Miami's first round pick (top 10 protected) in 2015 or 2016 from the deal that sent James to the Heat in the first place.
Few teams could have realistically signed LeBron. He wouldn't go to the West and have to fight through that playoff gauntlet. New York and Chicago had the cap space, but no assets to woo another star. Cleveland is in a unique position. Tons of young talent and tons of cap space.
James had to write "The Letter." He had to placate all the fans who he hurt with "The Decision." He had to ensure he looked like a hero while putting himself in the best position to win, not the villain who made "The Decision." When, in essence, he's doing the same exact thing.
Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Kevin Love. Hopefully Pat Riley didn't trademark the term "Big Three" like he did "Three-Peat." That term should be all LeBron's.
Rejoice Cleveland. The Prodigal Son, once scorned and shunned, has returned home.
